We pick up right where we left off

       As we move through different phases in life, we tend to move miles away from loved ones. I've seen this pattern as I went away to college, and moved on from college life and moved four hours away. I dearly miss being close enough to just show up at a friend's house, brushing my teeth every night with my roommate, and knowing the daily details of friend's lives. However, I think there is a preciousness of friendship that is discovered when there are miles between us. I think one of the most beautiful things about maturing friendships is picking up right where you left off.
      Just last weekend, I had a get-together with three of my closest girlfriends from college. Since graduating, we've all spread out. There have been weddings, moves to new states, and career changes. I laughed when I pulled up to the gathering and noticed we all had gotten new cars since college. It had been over a year since we'd been together,  and two years since we'd had a whole evening together.

        But we picked up right where we left off. Chocolate and wine and catching up ensued. I haven't laughed that hard in a while! We also somehow managed to stay up until 3 AM, which I know I haven't done in quite some time!

        In this stage of life where we're often surrounded by new faces and trying to get to know people, it is such a breath of fresh air to be known. There is something so comforting about not having to explain yourself, or your background, or where you're coming from, and just rest in the fact that these hearts know you. These are hearts that have been knit together through baking cookies at midnight, laughter, prayer, study sessions, hardcore apartment cleaning days, tough advice, grocery shopping trips, and crying on shoulders.
        I am always so eager to see friends when it's been a while. Next week, I will attend a wedding of one of my best friends from high school. It will be a reunion with many of my favorite people from that era of life. Though we don't talk as much, they are still so close to my heart. I love seeing friends from long ago, taking joy in how they've become more and more themselves, I feel so proud when I think about what they're doing in the world. Though we may not know exactly what's going on in each other's lives, our souls know each other. It's a connection that won't go away.

       And we pick up right where we left off.

linking up with:

Coffee For Your Heart
Peace, Love Linkup
Titus 2 Tuesday
Women with Intention
Paula's No Rules Weekend Blog Party
Peace, Love Linkup